Russell "Russ" R. Smith

Russell “Russ” or “Scoop” Ruben Smith, age 76, of Ripon, WI passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at Whispering Pines in Ripon, with his loving family by his side.

Russ was born on December 7, 1948 in Ripon, son of Ruben and Helen (Wizner) Smith. He graduated from Ripon High School in 1967, and went on to serve our country in the U.S. Air Force, later remaining active with the Air National Guard. On October 7, 1972, he married Patricia Bruins at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church in Ripon. Russ worked for the Department of Corrections for nearly 25 years. He also was a proud volunteer with the Ripon Fire Department. He would take the fire truck to parades, fire prevention week at schools, and would be up in the bucket dropping cookies for Cookie Daze. Russ drove school bus as well, and was known for treating the kids on the last day of school with ice cream. Russ earned the nickname “Scoop” because of his ability to scoop baseballs that came to the outfield. He cherished going to his sons’ games and was always proud. Russ was an avid hunter, fisherman, and birder - he loved to feed them as well as the squirrels. He was a classic car enthusiast, and had an unexplained love and loyalty for the Minnesota Vikings. Russ will be dearly missed.

Russ is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia Smith; two sons, Jason (Nicole) Smith and Matt (Tanya) Smith; sisters-in-law, Karen (Jim) Stelsel, Marcia Graff, and brother-in-law, Mark Bruins; as well and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruben and Helen Smith; father-in-law and step-mother-in-law, James and Gretchen Bruins; brother-in-law, Norman Graff; and sisters-in-law, Barb Downing and Kelly Bruins.

Visitation for Russ will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 1:00 until 3:00 pm at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr., Ripon, WI 54791.

Memorial service for Russ will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at the funeral home, with Pastor Jeff Blain officiating. You may view a livestream of the service at 3:00 pm by visiting this link LIVESTREAM. A final salute and full military honors will take place at the funeral home immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116; Alzheimer’s Association, 620 S. 76th St. Milwaukee, WI 53214; or to a church or charity of your choice.